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BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition

To celebrate 30 years of the BMW M5 – the founder member of the high-performance business Saloon segment – the German carmaker has created an exclusive, special-edition of the current, fifth-generation model boasting performance that sets it apart from its stablemates.

The 30 Jahre Edition (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of just 300 vehicles worldwide. Only 30 cars will come to the UK.

Developing 600hp and peak torque of 700Nm, the special-edition 30 Jahre is not only the most powerful of the range ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful production car in the history of the brand. The car sprints from zero to 62mph in a lightning fast 3.9 seconds. Its Individual-inspired looks and dynamic and comfort-enhancing equipment make this special edition 30 Jahre set to be a highly desirable collector’s item.

The 30 Jahre has further increased performance.

Under the bonnet is a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an output of 600hp, 40hp more than the standard model. This power boost has been achieved through carefully calculated tweaks to the engine management and an increase in charge pressure.

The foundation for these upgrades was provided by the Competition package – itself a car that already came with a power upgrade. Conceived to appreciably enrich the car’s handling characteristics, it can be ordered as an option for the regular model and is part of the special edition’s standard specification. The Competition package comprises modifications including a revised chassis set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and a 10mm drop in ride height. Added to which, the Active M Differential on the final drive gains its own control unit to further improve traction. Elsewhere, the steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping and the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is focused even more keenly on delivering sporty handling.

Exclusive design of the 30 Jahre exudes dynamic performance

In keeping with the anniversary celebrations which have inspired its creation, the 30 Jahre special-edition model has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts a more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard siblings. The striking Individual Frozen Dark Silver metallic paint accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the range. The kidney grille surround, gills with ‘30 Jahre M5′ badge on the front wing, door handle inserts and twin exhaust tailpipes all come in black chrome. The same is true of the 20-inch bi-colour M light-alloy wheels.

Interior of the new 30 Jahre Edition. Click for hi-res image.

The interior of the 30 Jahre Edition includes exclusive touches to highlight the anniversary. The driver and front passenger will be greeted by ‘30 Jahre M5′ lettering on the front door sill finishers, while a plaque bearing ‘30 Jahre M5′ and ‘1/300′ inscription is integrated into the Dark Aluminium Trace interior trim. The ‘30 Jahre M5′ logo is also embroidered into the backrests of all four of the high-performance Saloon’s seats.

Both the driver and front passenger can settle into M Sport multifunction seats upholstered in Individual Black Alcantara and Full Merino leather. Alcantara Anthracite trims the centre console and door panels as well as the M Sport multifunction steering wheel. A harman/kardon surround-sound system with a total of 16 speakers is also included as standard in the 30 Jahre Edition and a 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen Advanced audio system is available as an option. In addition to the exclusive content this car it also features as standard such equipment as Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access with smart opener, Driving Assistant, lumbar support and split folding rear seats with additional 12 volt power sockets.

The 30 Jahre Edition represents a new high point in 30 years of success that began at BMW Motorsport GmbH in Munich in 1984, and continues to raise the pulses of car fans around the world today. It is on sale now and costs £91,890 OTR.

About David Petherick

David Petherick speaks Russian and Spanish, lives in Edinburgh, and drives a Peugeot 308. He is a keen Formula 1 follower and blogs a race preview before each race. He was cited by the BBC as the world's first Digital Biographer and was formerly UK Editor at The Next Web.